Rangers managed to defeat Real Madrid in a preseason friendly match, winning the game 2-1. Carlo Ancelotti’s first match back in charge of the club ended in a loss, despite taking the lead ealry in the game.
Rodrygo opened the scoring for Los Blancos in the eighth minute, at the end of a blazing fast counter attack. He eased past Steven Davis before knocking the ball into the back of the net. However, that was the peak of Real Madrid’s offense throughout the game.
In the remainder of the first half, Rangers were on the front foot, and they registered as many as 17 shots on target. However, none of them were converted into goals for the Scottish club. Ryan Kent in particular had a great chance to add another to Rangers’ scoreline, but his effort hit the woodwork from close to four yards out.
Sakala equalised things for Steven Gerrard’s men, after they regained possession high up the pitch. The last stages of the match saw Nacho get sent off for a second yellow card, and Ancelotti had to make do with ten men on the field against a fired up opposition. Rangers managed to take advantage of the situation, and a poor clearance effort from Real Madrid was punished by Cedric Itten with 13 minutes to go, and that was enough to see them through.
While the match was a friendly, Real Madrid are expected to win every time they take the pitch. It would be unnecessary to read too much into the defeat, than the fact that more cohesion is needed for this newly assembled team.
